Experienced New Jersey Trusts and Estates Attorneys Help You Plan for the Future
Whether you’re planning the parameters of your future medical care or establishing support for loved ones upon your death, Brennan Law Firm can help with all aspects of your estate plan, The attorneys at Brennan Law Firm possess in-depth knowledge about all aspects of trusts and estate issues, including:
- Estate Planning
- Estate Taxes
- Executorship duties
- Guardianships and Conservatorships
- Living Wills (Advanced Directives)
- Living Trusts
- Probate
- Probate and Will disputes
- Wills drafting and execution
Estate planning documents need to be clear, flexible, and tailored to fit your unique needs. Brennan Law Firm works closely with you to determine your goals and create precise instruments to carry out your intentions.
You’ve worked hard for your family, so knowing that you have planned for their long-term well-being and financial security can bring you great comfort. We thoroughly analyze your estate and strategize the best means of transferring your assets, minimizing taxes, establishing guardianship for your children, caring for your pets, supporting personal philanthropic causes and protecting your loved ones.
A Will is essential at every stage of your life. Your advance directive (or Living Will) sets the parameters for medical intervention should you become incapacitated. This assures that when you are most vulnerable, your wishes Will be honored. Your Last Will and Testament provides the opportunity to distribute your property, establish care for your children and otherwise express your wishes upon your death. A Will is necessary if you intend to leave property to a person or entity other than a blood relative, such as a domestic partner, a friend or a charity. If you die without a Will, a court determines how your property is distributed, who cares for your children and even what happens to your pet – making decisions that might not reflect your desires. We can prepare valid Wills that ensure your intentions are honored. As your life changes, so might your estate plan. You should update your Will periodically throughout your life. Our attorneys can also prepare valid codicils that address changes in your financial situation, marital status, number of children, philanthropic interests and general lifestyle decisions. If you have minor children, your Will allows you to make decisions about their future care. Naming a guardian is especially important if you are a single parent, but even married couples must consider the remote possibility of perishing in a common incident. If you do not name a guardian, the court will appoint one whose decisions may be in conflict with your parenting goals. You can also make arrangements for your pets’ care in your Will, even naming a guardian to assume ownership.
Should you represent an estate, our experienced attorneys can advise you on the best approach to your probate obligations. As an Executor or Administrator, you have the responsibility of adhering to both the wishes of the deceased and the guidelines of the State of New Jersey. Our attorneys apply their extensive knowledge about New Jersey probate court to guide you through the complex process of probating a Will. We assist executors in all steps of the process, including:
- Creating a plan of action to probate the estate fairly and expeditiously
- Filing the Will with the New Jersey probate court
- Closing and opening bank accounts
- Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
- Paying taxes and other debts
- Locating beneficiaries
- Hiring professional expert when necessary
When disputes occur between beneficiaries, we successfully represent your interests. Our New Jersey attorneys have the extensive knowledge to challenge invalid Wills or to defend valid Wills against the improper assertions of dissatisfied beneficiaries. Skillful mediators and litigators, our attorneys can negotiate between beneficiaries to preserve relationships or fastidiously pursue your rights in court when necessary.
Contact an estate planning law firm you can trust.
For comprehensive estate planning services in Cranbury and throughout New Jersey, call Brennan Law Firm at 609-395-5533 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
